Richard Chad O’Connor

October 7, 1943 - December 22, 2022

Richard Chad O’Connor Son of Richard and Irene O’Connor, born during World War II, Chad was a 4th generation native of San Francisco who spent his early years in the Richmond District, attending Star of the Sea Grammar School until his family moved to Gellert Drive in St. Stephen’s parish. Chad was the second of six siblings: Therese (Fred deFuniak), Chad, Jeannie (John King), Margaret, Patricia (Justo Robles) and John (Jill Hersh), as well as a cousin, nephew, and uncle to many. He attended St. Ignatius High School and graduated from his father’s alma mater, the University of San Francisco. After joining the ROTC in college, Chad proudly served his country as an officer in Germany during the Viet Nam era. One of Chad’s favorite jobs upon returning to the States was acting as Santa Claus, riding down Powell Street on top of a cable car dressed in full Santa regalia en route to hear the wishes of children and various North Beach starlets. Chad spent his career as a high school teacher for the SF Unified School district. He especially loved his apartment along the Great Highway with his favorite view of Ocean Beach and the Farralons and became a “regular” at Java Beach Café on Judah Street. Chad had many long-lasting and loyal friendships through Java Beach and St. Gabriel’s Church up to and beyond his retirement. Chad was pre-deceased by his parents, Dick and Irene, and his sisters, Terry and Peggy, leaving three surviving siblings and their families. We are grateful to the caregivers at Alma Via, San Francisco and the Suncrest Hospice, who gracefully helped Chad through the very end. A funeral mass will be held at St. Gabriel’s Church on Saturday, January 7, 2023 at 11:00 am. A private interment at the California Central Coast Veteran’s Military cemetery in Seaside will be held on January 9. Kindly donate to the charity of your choice with a kind thought for Chad as you do.